FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS

Dental Health Issues

How does fluoride work to protect my teeth from cavities?

Fluoride helps fight cavities (tooth decay) through a process called remineralisation. Tooth decay results when the acids produced by oral bacteria (found in plaque) etch the tooth enamel over time. These acids remove minerals (namely calcium and phosphorous) from the tooth surface. This process is called demineralisation. Fluoride binds to the surface of a demineralised tooth and helps reverse demineralisation by strengthening the tooth surface and by fostering the return of lost minerals to the demineralised site. This positive process of returing minerals is defined as remineralisation. Brushing with Aquafresh® toothpaste fights cavities by helping to reduce the production of acids by physically removing the bacteria, which are the source of acids that can actually cause teeth to demineralize.

What are plaque, tartar and gingivitis?

Plaque is a gummy mass of microorganisms that grow on the crowns and spreads along the roots of teeth and is both colourless and transparent. Dental plaques are the forerunners of dental decay and periodontal disease. Tartar is hardened plaque deposited upon the teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling and tendency to bleed.

Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste even if my water supply is fluoridated?

Major professional dental associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the British Dental Association (BDA), recommend that people of all ages use fluoride toothpaste twice daily, even if they live in an area with a fluoridated water supply. (Oral Care Issues Management Resource, July 2003). The Cochrane report reviewed 56 clinical studies covering more than 42,000 participants. The results show that the use of a fluoride-containing toothpaste provides a significant benefit (about 25% fewer cavities) even in areas where the water is fluoridated. Reference: Marinho, VCC, Higgins, JPT, Sheiham, A., Logan, S.; Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, (Cochrane Review) in: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003, Oxford.

What are the various kinds of Aquafresh® ?

Where is the expiration date on Aquafresh® tubes?

The expiration date is stamped on the crimp of the tube and the flap of the carton.

Does Aquafresh® contain any gluten?

Aquafresh® toothpaste does not contain gluten.

Do Aquafresh® tubes contain latex?

No, Aquafresh® tubes do not contain latex or substances associated
with latex.

Does Aquafresh® contain any lactose?

Aquafresh® toothpaste does not contain lactose.

Does Aquafresh® offer any toothpastes without fluoride?

All Aquafresh® toothpaste contains fluoride.

Does Aquafresh® offer any toothpastes without mint?

All Aquafresh® toothpaste contains mint.

Does Aquafresh® toothpaste contain animal derived materials?

Aquafresh® toothpaste does not contain animal derived materials.

Ask The Experts

Brush up on your knowledge! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help keep your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh.

Why do I need to brush my teeth?

More than 600 different types
of naturally occurring bacteria are contained in the mouth. If they are not removed
by regular brushing, they form a coating called plaque. If plaque builds up, it
can cause some nasty damage, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

How should I choose a toothbrush?

It's important that your toothbrush can reach all the surfaces of your teeth. So a brush with a smaller head is generally better than one with a larger head. Whether you choose a toothbrush with a straight handle or not depends on the shape of your mouth and how easily you can manipulate the brush.

How often should I change my brush?

Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush at least every three months because:

The bristle ends become worn and may cause damage to gums and teeth.

Bacteria can build up on the brush head.

A year's supply of toothbrushes costs less than a night at the movies, so there's
no excuse not to!

Why do teeth become sensitive?

Teeth become sensitive when the nerve endings become exposed. While neither tooth enamel nor the cementum covering the root have nerve endings, in some cases gum disease, excessive brushing, tooth grinding or general wear can expose nerve endings in the dentine.

This makes the tooth sensitive to touch and to hot, cold and sweet things. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth, such as Aquafresh® Sensitive , calm the nerve, helping to prevent sensitivity pain.